suspension options

One90 · **suspension options -** 05-07-2008, 12:54 AM

Not sure of the history but the mech says suspension work is due. We're okay with the OE and want it durable smooth quiet in that order. What's the basic option and cost for all around, and how about the first stage upgrade to consider.. e.g. lower springs.

mde3 · 03:29 AM

Have got one car with Eibachs and Bilstein HD's, nice firm ride not too low or harsh..maybe 1.2" max. This is on a 2.6. Eibachs no longer available though. Cost was around $1400 two years ago.

Second car is a heavily modified 190E 2.6, and has FK sport springs from Germany..lowered about 1.6", equipped with Bilstein Sports, figure cost around $1200.00 - $1400.00 if not doing the work yourself, and depending how much you get the shocks for. Ride is firm but a bit bouncy with this spring and non adjustable rebound type shock. Car does handle very well though when pushing it..however this car has evo rear sway and a limo front, plus adjustable steel camber arms, and solid but adjustable sway bar links in the rear..(price shown is just for the shocks and springs)

Third car is a 2.3-16V and has H&R Sport springs with Koni Sports. Ride is firm but toward the harsh side, but handling is very good. Car is lowered about 1.5" with this set up. This car feels and handles much better and the harshness is seriously reduced by switching back from the 215 40 17's I had on it previously to 205 45 16's...when using this spring/shock combination. Cost for this set up around $1500.00 installed. (includes removing sls)

Fourth car is another 16V, with Vogtland lowering springs for a 2.6 installed, along with H&R cup kit shocks...(probably Bilstein HD's)..lowered about 1.5" front and about 1" rear while riding on 215 40 17's. Car sits with uniform .4" vertical gap front and rear. Maybe the best combination of ride comfort and handling of all four cars..to my taste..which is subjective of course. I am not looking for a track type ride. Cost for Bilstein HD's and the Vogtland springs figure around $1300.00 installed not including removing sls if you are talking about a 16V.

Note the Sachs-Boge OEM shocks on the 190's are more like Bilstein comfort shocks. The next step without making the ride too agressive is Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks.

One90 · 07:31 PM

Compare Koni sport vs. Bilstein HD. I was on Konis once. Does the Vogtland come in more than one size? Should I plan to replace rods bushings etc. at that time?

BabyHands · 05-07-2008, 10:42 PM

Might as well have it all done at once.

mde3 · 05-08-2008, 03:08 AM

Koni's are rebound adjustable. On their lowest setting they are probably just a bit stiffer than the Bilstein HD's. As to the various bushings..that is always a good idea, however the labor can be intensive..it will make your vehicle feel like a new car though, assuming you do the shocks and springs at the same time.

mayday757 · 05-08-2008, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mde3

Fourth car is another 16V, with Vogtland lowering springs for a 2.6 installed, along with H&R cup kit shocks...(probably Bilstein HD's)..lowered about 1.5" front and about 1" rear while riding on 215 40 17's. Car sits with uniform .4" vertical gap front and rear. Maybe the best combination of ride comfort and handling of all four cars..to my taste..which is subjective of course. I am not looking for a track type ride. Cost for Bilstein HD's and the Vogtland springs figure around $1300.00 installed not including removing sls if you are talking about a 16V.

What number spring cup are you using in the front and back?

mde3 · 05-08-2008, 05:28 AM

#3 front and #2 rear

One90 · 10-26-2008, 01:32 AM

Looking for the most basic performance tweak, to reduce roll and drop maybe 1" but maintain the ride. Info on complete kits and the best deals?

*notrod2hotrod* · 09:15 PM

I'm currently doing a complete re-do of the suspension system starting with lower control arms, installing Eibach Pro Kit springs, Koni Shocks, and a Stabilus-Boge steering damper.

Eibach Pro Kit ($298 USD)- Ordered through Auto Accessory Store: http://community.190revolution.net/l...s&l=10&catid=4

Koni Sports ($850 USD)- Ordered through Koni Corporate - find via google

Stabilus-Boge Steering Damper & 2x Bilstein lower control arms ($350 USD) Autohaus AZ:

http://community.190revolution.net/l...s&l=52&catid=4

Parts haven't come in yet, I will update as they get here.

I am anticipating a "sport's package" style ride with 1-1.5" drop. Lowering can be easily adjusted by using different thickness spring pads.

P.S. Both of the websites that I linked you to are endorsed by this website in the "Links" section, selectable at the top of the page. I recommend searching through it, as there are many great resources there.

chrisfball12 · 10-28-2008, 06:57 AM

First if you want to change your springs your going to need a Mercedes Spring Compressor not the Kragen or Autozone spring compressor. It's the spring compressor you can get for $200 shipped on ebay.

You can get away with changing your shocks front and rear without the spring compressor but it's very very dangerous without it.